Katy Trail Forum

Loved this stay and the town too

Camped here on a Saturday night (May 11, 2024). It was high school graduation night, so there was a celebration and party at the Community Center in the park, so we were not sure what to expect. But it turned out great, as the park has plenty of space for everyone -- campers, graduates and their families. There are two big shelters that can be used by campers, and they have plenty of electrical outlets, plus overhead lights. There is also plenty of open areas to pitch tents. There are flush toilets, but no showers, and the bathroom is not a place I would linger long. But you get what you pay for, and this is FREE to camp, and a bargain. When the community pool opens, I would assume after Memorial Day, you can pay for a shower there. We met a lot of locals who were hanging out for the graduation, and had some great conversations. Really enjoyed out stay here. And there is a Casey's a couple blocks away.

The Katy literally cuts through the middle of this place. Spacious sites that are all pretty close to the bathroom/showers. We were a bit leary when we set up (Friday, May 10, 2024), as a big troop of boy scouts was going to be arriving around 8 p.m. The Roundhouse owner said they would be a bit noisy when they arrived and set up, but that they would settle down fast. I took a shower after hearing that news, because I did the math, and there were two showers and two toilets, an no urinals. So using the bathroom after they arrived might be a challenge. Well, they all started arriving right on schedule, and it unfolded as expected, with initial noise followed by a very quiet camp, considering 32 tents had popped up. Amazingly enough, I never had a problem finding an empty stall, so I'm not sure what was going on, but I couldn't complain. Overall a very nice spot to stop on the trail, with a Casey's not far away, but on top of a steep hill.

Stayed here May 9, 2024. Let's get one thing clear: There are no flush toilets or showers. There are about 8 port-a-potties and potable water is available, along with power outlets to charge devices or e-bike batteries. You can buy bottles or cans of beer and wine, and a few snacks and some sandwiches, but it is not a place to expect to restock your pantry or have a full dinner. That said, this place is pretty darned cool. We camped, and made reservations, since it was filling up fast for Mother's Day Weekend. We got lucky, as there was a band scheduled to play that Thursday night, along with a food truck. So we rolled in around 3 p.m. and set up and enjoyed the view of the river. The young woman who checked us in mentioned the concert and food truck, and warned us to eat early since the food truck always sold old. The band was Todd Day Wait, the food truck Stuffed Potatoes. So for $30 we got a riverfront campsite and three-hour concert, along with the opportunity to buy dinner and beverages. I say it was a great deal, as Todd Day Wait and his band, which plays western swing, was top shelf. He sounds like a young Willie Nelson, and I can see why more than 100 people showed up. I did pick up a tick, so beware of that. But overall, one of best nights on the trail.

Not much has been said about the power plant on the other side of the river that was at a low roar during our stay. White noise, but ear plugs recommended. We stayed at site 34, near bathrooms/showers. All those sites around there are nice, but were a bit soggy due to rain. Showers were push-button and just warm enough. And no matter which way you are coming or going, there are steep sections as the campground is up on the bluff. I thought the west entrance was the best, since it is short and paved. Coming on from the east on loose gravel with tough switchbacks t the top was a tough way to end the day. Leaving obviously easier than coming.

Since all the storms, is trail pretty mushy now and any big wash-outs or flooding? DNR does not show trail detail.
May pop on May 23-26 depending on mushiness.
Would greatly appreciate it. Thanks

As of yesterday afternoon, there was a tree down and fully across the trail just east of Marthasville. It should be removed by now, but be aware. You'll have to get off the trail to get around it.

Does Kim's also have camping availble? We have friends who camp and friends who need a cabin! Or, any other suggestions would be helpful. The one in Defiance does, but we want something further west.

Hey Kim! You really need to get a phone!
:-)

Kim and her cabins are as good as it gets, but I don’t think she has camping. Katy-Rock Junction is within sight and shouting distance of Kim’s Cabins and is a tent camping delight with a super clean bath house and lots of little extras. Cabin at Kim’s and camp at Katy-Rock and everyone will be happy.

Kim here ?? I don't have camping, just my four modern cabins with kitchens. As Clinton said, across the street is wonderful Katy-Rock Junction and I often have folks do a mix of both mine and theirs. My phone number is everywhere if anyone needs it - 660-351-0905. Thanks for checking!

Kim here??

Kim.....you not sure if you're Kim or not??

Kim knows who she is, and everyone who is anyone knows who Kim is. The question is, who are you, Skippy? Oh, I’m sorry, Anonymous?

Definitely Kim here - have no idea why the question marks except my eyes are getting old ??

I am looking to join a small group/tour for a 3-4 day ride on the trail. Don't feel comfortable going solo. Preferably Rocheport-St.Charles. Any tour or guide services advice would be appreciated.

I've done the MKT several times solo and you should not be intimidated. I can't think of any place other than maybe North Jefferson where I wouldn't leave a vehicle. Having said that, parking at the Community Center in Clinton (west portal) or St Charles (not quite the east portal, but close) are plenty safe. You check in at the Clinton Community Center, which is about a half mile from the start on a decent bike trail. There's also camping there. As others have mentioned, there are hotels in St Charles where you can park a vehicle, or there is parking along the trail itself in several public lots. I would say that you need to be able to handle bad weather (thunderstorms, hail, high summer temps/humidity, etc.); that's the real risk. This web site is super for finding accommodations, cafes, shuttles, etc. You'll have a great time.

Cool for women to ride solo, I am 100% up for that but do you see women doing it often?

Another two cents worth. I would guess that solo riders are not in the majority, but I would say of the walkers, hikers and other trail users I've seen more women than men going it alone. I do remember a woman hiking across the US alone that I met on the MKT a few years ago. If you want to test the trail, would maybe recommend the Big Bike across Missouri (Big BAM) event. 2024 dates are 2-6 June and 6-12 Oct. It's a group ride but it's so strung out that you may as well be riding solo, which you can do if you wish. You'll be with the group in the evenings, so it may be a good way to see the trail by yourself but still have the companionship when you want it. In fact, last summer I kind of rode through the middle of the group, but was still traveling pretty much alone. Would recommend October simply because June can get warm. Cheers.

My wife and I are being dropped off in Clinton and plan to bike to St Charles. Would like some recommendations for a shuttle to return to Springfield and save my sister another long drive to pick us up.

The wife and I used Katy Bike Rental and Shuttle last year and are signed up for June this year too. I don't have anything to compare it to to say if there is better or worse. They leave daily at 8:00 AM from old St. Charles behind a hotel right off the trail. It's a big commuter van with an enclosed trailer for your bikes and gear. No frills, but they do a per person rate of $120 unlike others which require a group of 4. They have an entry in the Shuttle section of the Trip Planner, but here's their info:

Bike Rental, Shuttle
St Charles MO
636-987-2600
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/katybikerentalshuttle/items/?flow=883602&full-items=yes

Like I said, don't know if they're the best or worst, but we're using them again.

Enjoy your trip.

We're riding west out of St. Charles towards McKittrick on May 9, 10 or 11. Anything on the trail we should be aware of? I saw there have been flood advisories in the area. Thank you.

With storms and winds you might just be aware that there could be blowdowns on the trail corridor until DNR can get them cleared. I rode that area Sunday and it was fine. A little spongy and slow riding in some shaded areas. But otherwise ...

My wife and I will riding from Washington to Sedalia then taking tha Amtrak back to Washington. Looking for suggestions of places to eat and see along that route.

What to see/eat entirely depends on what you like. The trail of course is what to see. We take our time and smell the roses. The limestone bluffs, the river, the farm land, tree canopies, wild flowers and wildlife are all worth taking time for. Other than that I think both Jefferson City and Hermann are good short detours off the trail.

Jefferson City has the Missouri State Capitol which is worth a tour for the Thomas Hart Benton murals. Arris' Pizza and Madison's are good lunch stops near the capitol.

Hermann is quaint little German town with German beer, wine, food and architecture. Wineries with polka bands on the patio can be fun too. HUP....HUP.....HO!!! Loutre Market just south of the Katy at McKittrick has been a good stop to buy Hermann area wine often for less than winery prices.

Happy Trails!

Looking to ride the trail from Clinton to Machens on Saturday, May 11th. Are there any know issues, detours, flooding, etc. at this time? I'm not seeing any issues reported in this forum. This will be my 3rd time riding the trial in one day so I'm familiar with the trail. Thanks for any and all input.

Nothing on DNR's advisory map except a tick warning.

I just completed the trail - Clinton to Machens. When I arrived in Machens my wife told me she couldn’t actually reach the trailhead because Machens Rd was closed off. Apparently someone has tied up a sign across the road blocking access. I’m not sure if there is another way in, but I ended up biking past the railway and up Machens Rd to her. This needs to be addressed - either a better way to the trailhead should be posted or that sign needs to come down.

Was it closed off at Hwy 94 or farther south? Looking at a Google Earth display isn't any help.

The farmer that owns the fields right there is probably blocking it off because people keep parking on his property....

i`ve ridden thru that barrier before from hiway 94 theres no place to park.last october the the owner saw me lift the rope so i get on on hw 94 didnt say any thing google was telling me to go that way didnt see the rope till the last min. on my way to stl

This is true you can't drive to the trailhead at Machens. There is no road in and no parking lot. The nearest road (that is not chained off) is Ell Rd. It is about a mile west of the Machens trailhead. Thank you for bringing this up. This is not addressed on any map or literature we have seen on the Katy.

the first time i rode from stl to the trail head had know idea what i was looking for was riding north on 94 found machens road took a left rode over some railroad tracks and found the trailhead there is a small mound of dirt about 3 foot high blocking the end of the trail. the restroom is about 20 feet away. and the bell everyone rings [probably irritates that farmer when he hears it]

The adjacent property owner has the last name MACHENS. He blocks the “roadway” leading to the trail and is apparently not a fan of the trail. The other adjacent property owner is the railroad which has a crossing on that roadway. Because of rail safety, railroads are ALWAYS a hurdle establishing rail trails that are adjacent or cross a working railway. I believe that some sort of “right of way” exists leading to the trailhead, but since there’s very limited state owned property that could be used for parking, combined with unwelcoming neighbors, combined with some people would struggle with parking correctly if they could access it….i don’t think this access will ever improve……..I say this after reading the comments here and other forums for the last four years or so. Parking is probably not going to happen here. Riders needing picked up will just need to meet up at 94 and Machens Road…..a very short distance considering the distance they’ve already traveled. Unfortunately the driver might need to walk in and meet you, and walk back, but the Black Walnut trailhead is nearby and very accessible, plus has parking. The Machens situation is one of those things where we say “it is what it is.” I choose to be grateful for the Katy that we have.

Been up there a couple times. Once this year. My advice: Park at Black Walnut and be done with it. Skip the consternation. The extra 3 miles back to BW from the Machens trailhead is about 16 minutes of good exercise.

Have ridden the trail a few times to Machens, I have gone on to Portage des Sioux via the Machens Road and SH 94. It's only a few miles more and there are a few places in Portage des Sioux where your ride can park. Example is the Our Lady of the Waters viewpoint right on the Mississippi River (Portage des Sioux is pretty small). You do have to navigate the berm just past the kiosk to get to Machens Road, which I believe was left when the terminus was finished, but it's not a problem. Have seen a few semi-trailers parked at the gravel pad just beyond the Machens kiosk/latrine, but it's not really a good place to park, as the active rail tracks are right there. Alternately, would just double back maybe a half mile to Ell Road and head to SH 94 that way. I suppose there might be some animosity among the locals, but these are public roads.

Did the GAP/C&O and caught the bug. Want to do another weeklong ride. Loved the B&Bs, didn't camp. Was fine being off the grid for hours at a time. That said...

This trail starting in Raytown and connecting to the Katy seems like a great ride. I ordered the book so I can acquaint myself with the towns and places to get water, meals, and overnight stays.

Plan is to get in 50-60 mile days. Not looking to go much longer than that. I'd like to stop and see the sights.

Biggest issue for me right now is getting to the western-most trailhead and getting home from the eastern-most. I thought maybe I'd rent an SUV and put bikes in that, dropping it in KC and taking a Lyft to the trailhead. Then, picking up another SUV/van and head home. But I have also heard there are services that will bring you back to your vehicle (if you did that) at the start...that is where I could use some help.

Lastly, this is an east/west trail so I imagine there will be tons of sunlight directly overhead (versus the GAP where it goes over and you are shielded.) Am I directionally-correct? (I.e. am I going to want to consider a sun beating down my backside all afternoon?

Any other tips are appreciated.

We always park in St Charles and shuttle to Clinton. You could do the reverse as well. Many shuttle services. Vehicles are safe. We always stay at Country in and Suites. They let you park for the week. Let them know you have a car you’re leaving. It’s a great ride. We try to do it yearly. Enjoy.

Have you considered Amtrak. I think they have direct routes from Chicago to KC and St Louis To Chicago and you can reserve a spot for your bike.

You mentioned starting on the Rock Island at Raytown, and then you would connect to the KT at Windsor. Just be aware that there is a gap in the Rock Island trail between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill. People ride this gap using on-road routes all the time, but I'm just mentioning this because I know some people only want to use trail. The interactive map at https://bikekatytrail.com/katy-trail-map.aspx offers the route that Google suggested for biking between Lee's Summit and Pleasant Hill.

Also you asked about tree cover. You will definitely get more sun on the Katy Trail than on the GAP, but there are still a lot of wooded sections. Besides wooded areas and river bluffs, there's a good amount of trees along the sides of many parts of the old railroad right of way.

Finally you asked about shuttles - here is a list of all the shuttle services we know of: https://bikekatytrail.com/planner.aspx?scid=306&ecid=59&rt=0&rtid=1&svcs=|17|

Good luck planning your trip, and have fun out there on the trail

Who do you contact about leaving a car in St. Charles? Got a phone number, etc?

Since we stay at the Country Inn and Suites we notify the front desk. They will tell you where to park. It is the lot behind their parking deck. They will note your make model and license and return date and log it in a ledger they keep. It’s safe. We have not had any problems and there are lots of vehicles that park there.

Have done both a handful of times each. Logistics for me have varied. Going to do the Katy this year one last time and decided to rent a car one way to Clinton, then pick up another one way rental in St. Peters (5 or so miles from St Charles) to drive back to St Joe. Rented a mini van each way so the bike will fit in no problem. Good luck on your trip.

HI Chicago,

My buddy and I are biking the Katy in mid-May. Taking the Amtrak to Sedalia, then working our way east. Catching the train back to Chicago. From St. Charles, we'll bike to Lambert Airport and take the train downtown to catch the Amtrak. Tickets were around $100 round trip. This site has a good route from the trail in St. Charles to Lambert Airport.

Have a good ride.

Has anyone encountered flooding on the trail near St. Charles. I have received some alerts on my Alexa from the National weather service. We are possibly walking some of rhe trail near Agusta tomorrow.

Did you?

Last weekend I stayed at Katy Junction B&B owned and operated by Jerry Selbach in Pilot Grove, just off the Katy trail. I mentioned to Jerry
over the phone, I wanted to get out of town for my birthday and I would traveling alone therefore, I only needed one bed, but I preferred to have my own bathroom. Fortunately, the Inn was not fully booked
just myself and a couple driving in from Oklahoma. I had the entire upstairs to myself. Jerry surprised me with a homemade birthday cake which the four of us enjoyed that evening. After a
Wonderful night's sleep in my private quarters, I came down for breakfast I was pleasantly surprised to see Jerry wearing starch white chef attire! Jerry served up a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs and cheese,hash browns,sausage patties fresh fruit, toast,jam, juice, and coffee. The kind-hearted host wasn't finished yet, he presented me with a birthday card. When it was time to go, Jerry helped me with my bags. We hugged goodbye in the driveway. As I drove away I thought my
to myself, that was one of the best birthday's ever!

Jerry is indeed an awesome host.
Highly recommend this BNB.

I will be riding my ebike from Clinton to Machens. I would like to camp here, but I would need two electrical outlets to charge my batteries overnight. Does anyone know if there are outlets available that work?

I started last year doing solo trips. The trips will be geared around bicycle trials I can handle and feel safe riding. Katy has come up in many of my searches, so I thought I should check more into this.

I would love suggestions of where to bike on this trail and safe places to stay. I would only be in the area for 3-4 days tops.

I am a young woman of 58 and enjoy pedaling trails that run through small towns and/or have sites to stop and check out.

I know zero about the Katy (but will do more research) so any suggestions are welcome.

My bike (if it matters) is a Trek Hybrid.

We have through the years enjoyed the Rocheport and Hermann areas of the trail. East and west of those two has some great views and welcoming small towns.

Have never stayed or biked on the Katy and felt unsafe...it goes without saying though to always be spatially aware of your surroundings no matter where you are. This is a great site to read reviews and check out what the towns have to offer to see if they are of interest to you.

Your Trek hybrid is well suited for the Katy. Skinny tires work but not have enough contact. Fat tires will work but are overkill. Hydrids with 38's are a good fit for the Katy.

Have fun planning and enjoy your ride on the Katy.

If you enjoy small towns you'll like the Katy Trail. The section between Weldon Spring and Tebbetts seems to have the highest concentration but the entire trail has towns scattered all along its length. The small town of Rocheport is particularly charming and the trail east of there in my opinion is beautiful. I'm not sure which Trek hybrid bike you have but I rode a round trip of the entire Katy Trail last year on a Specialized Sirrus which is considered a hybrid bike and it did great. I'm male a few years older than you and I made that trip alone and never once felt unsafe. I have seen women riding the trail solo also. The trip planner on this site is a great resource. Good luck and have fun.

I think my pick for your criteria would be McKittrick/Hermann to St Charles. You would have Treloar, Marthasville, Dutzow, Augusta, Defiance and you would end in St Charles with plenty of lodging and meal options. Your Trek hybrid will be fine. My wife and I have ridden Clinton to St Charles many times on our Treks.

I agree that your Trek Hybrid will be great for the Katy Trail. That was the bike I rode from 2005 until I moved from Missouri to Pennsylvania in 2017.

How far do you plan to ride each day? The previous suggestions are all great. Once I know how far you ride a day I'll weigh in on intinerary suggestions.

I rode solo on the Katy many times. I'm a "older woman" and have never felt concerned by people. Occasionally I would see a snake here and there, but if you don't bother them they won't bother you.

I would suggest that you carry something like pepper spray. I have found them at places like Dick's or WalMart in the sporting section. It's a small, maybe 2 inch canister on a keychain type thingy. I think some joggers have them. That's more for the very, very rare dog that may nip at you. In my 12 years of riding on the Katy no dog ever threatened me, but I felt a little more confident having one in my panier.

You will absolutely love riding on the Katy Trail.

Our first to eat here. Had the fish platter. We will definitly come back to this kitchen of Judy's. A cozy, homey place to have aeal.

Hi! I was thinking about planning a fun week-long vacation of hiking the Katy Trail. I figured we could stop each day and head into town to explore and stay for the night. But what section of the Katy Trail do you think would be best to do? We would have a week in the fall or summer. We would probably be able to hike about 10 mi a day. Would love to hear your suggestions!!! Thank you.

You may want to check the Trip Reports link from the home page to how others have walked the trail. Distance between towns vary as well as amenities once you reach town.

The Katy Junction B&B in Pilot Grove is an awesome stop on the Katy Trail and I'm so happy we stayed there! The owner Jerry Selbach is a kind hearted host who sat with us and told us tales of Pilot Grove and of his life. The room was super comfortable and a good respite for my husband who was biking the trail. The breakfast was delicious and the night before we got to try some vanilla ice cream with pepper jelly and it was amazing! Thank you for the wonderful stay, Jerry!!

Looks like getting into Hermann may be a little tricky in the near future.
The article is not real clear on how/when the bike lane will be affected.

https://www.modot.org/node/45356

Best place to camp at. Mariah is awesome mgr.

Cooper's landing is a cool place and the views are amazing but it ain't cheap. A tent site was $30 last year with no showers or real toilets. Get something to eat and drink on top of that and you're looking at 50 bucks.

We had a great stay before the season officially opened, Dan had the deluxe cabin ready for us, and it's super cute and clean, had everything we needed, and the hot shower hit the spot.